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Even though the transfer rate was better at Harvard, I didn't even consider applying: stellar reputation aside, it's just not a school I would want to go to, even at the graduate level where the student-faculty ratio is better. The atmosphere and quirkiness is just lacking imho - especially compared to a campus such as Yale.

It's the only Ivy that actually deserves credit for more than its name (with Brown and Princeton belonging somewhat to the exception as well). I'm excited to go there for the next two years more than I imagine ever being able to feel towards Harvard. All subjective, of course, but that's what counts for me.

9. The bulldogg is way cute
10. Student newspapers not afraid to put the caption "***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****!" under a photo of campus art (seriously, that kind of not-taking-oneself-too-seriously humor totally had me fall in love)
11. World-leading Art program

1. Undergraduate focus
2. Awesome residential college system!
3. Science faculty student ratio of almost 1:1
4. Generous research funds
5. Edgier/Better/Awesomer than Hahhvahd (or anywhere else)
6. Great social atmosphere
7. Gothic campus (need I say more?)
8. Far more engaged faculty and politically active student body
9. Not a stuffy, snobby reputation
10. The bulldogg is way cute
11. Student newspapers not afraid to put the caption "***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****!" under a photo of campus art (seriously, that kind of not-taking-oneself-too-seriously humor totally had me fall in love)
12. World-leading Art program
13. Only top university in the United States located in a major city downtown area (over 140 restaurants, 300 stores and 50 bars/clubs within three blocks of the campus, plus incredible opportunities to become involved in how a real city works)
14. Best campus theater scene in the world by a 10x margin
15. Did somebody say residential colleges?
16. Only true residential college system
17. Residential colleges.

^Maxim Magazine says "the greatest prank this side of the Mason-Dixon line since the Boston Tea Party... to the eternal pride of rival Yalies ...and caused dozens of stoic, blue-blooded Harvard men to spit port wine all over their smoking jackets."

I can't find a link with this information, although I am positive it has been discussed in various groups while I visited Yale. Thus I recant my statement, and instead substitute a 1 billion dollar investment into science faculty, facilities, and research.

Consolidated List:
1. Undergraduate focus
2. Awesome residential college system!
3. 1 billion dollar investment into science faculty, facilities, and research.
4. Generous research funds
5. Edgier/Better/Awesomer than Hahhvahd (or anywhere else)
6. Great social atmosphere
7. Gothic campus (need I say more?)
8. Far more engaged faculty and politically active student body
9. Not a stuffy, snobby reputation
10. The bulldogg is way cute
11. Student newspapers not afraid to put the caption "***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****!" under a photo of campus art (seriously, that kind of not-taking-oneself-too-seriously humor totally had me fall in love)
12. World-leading Art program
13. Only top university in the United States located in a major city downtown area (over 140 restaurants, 300 stores and 50 bars/clubs within three blocks of the campus, plus incredible opportunities to become involved in how a real city works)
14. Best campus theater scene in the world by a 10x margin
15. Did somebody say residential colleges?
16. Only true residential college system
17. Residential colleges.

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